Wild Swimming in Lake Bassenthwaite
For those looking for something refreshing in every sense, wild swimming is a must-try activity here on the Armathwaite Hall estate. Wild swimming involves swimming in a wild (natural) body of water and offers a range of benefits, including:
- reduced feelings of anxiety and depression
- more energy and mental clarity
- increased endorphins
- better recovery from exercise
- reduced pain and inflammation
- reduced blood pressure and cholesterol
- boosted immune system and circulation
We offer guided wild swimming in Lake Bassenthwaite exclusively to our guests, situated just a short stroll down from the hotel. Our qualified instructor will meet you at the foot of Bassenthwaite Lake for a half-day session in the wild and open waters.
Lake Bassenthwaite offers stunning vistas of Mount Skiddaw, our gorgeous 400-acre estate and the surrounding Lake District, making it one of the most naturally beautiful places to practise wild swimming.
What is included in the Wild Swimming Package?
Experience Bassenthwaite Lake swimming in the summer months. Our experience is perfect for both confident and beginner swimmers, so do not worry about your skill level.
Our instructor will meet wild swimmers at the lake and help with your wetsuit fitting. You will be guided into the water slowly so you can get a feel for it.
There is no time limit on how long you can spend in the water; you can stay in for as long as you feel comfortable. Our instructor will make sure you are doing everything safely, so you can enjoy the experience of being in the water and the incredible views from the lake.
Please note that we need a minimum of two participants to deliver our Wild Swimming Half-Day Package.
What we provide
As part of your wild swimming experience, we provide:
• wetsuit
• neoprene socks
• changing robe
• a detailed itinerary based on your experience and ability
• guidance on wild swimming
• a safety briefing and support throughout
• hand-picked café stops to suit your dietary requirements and food preferences.
All you need to bring is a swimsuit, a towel and warm clothes to change into.
You can also add a packed lunch onto your package – be sure to book this in advance.
Bespoke private lessons
If you would prefer a more intimate or tailored session, we can offer bespoke private lessons so you can try out wild swimming.
Beginner session
This session is ideal for people with little to no experience swimming in open waters. We will equip you with all the skills you need to go on your own wild swimming adventures.
Short wild swim or dip
This session is perfect for people who have had some experience with wild swimming, but are competent swimmers and want to try it out some more. We can offer a single swim in Lake Bassenthwaite, a sunrise dip or a moonlit swim.
Intermediate adventure
If you’re experienced in wild swimming and you want to go further afield with guidance, this is the option for you. Our instructor could take you on a river swim or a longer lake swim – you should be able to swim at least a mile.
Wild swimming adventure day
If you have plenty of wild swimming experience and a strong sense of adventure, this adventure day is perfect for you. You will get to explore more remote locations, with a walk exploring the stunning natural beauty around you on the way. Our instructor will take you wild swimming in a more advanced location such as a ravine, waterfall or tarn!
Book a wild swimming holiday UK
Wild swimming is exclusively available to guests at Armathwaite Hall.
If you have not yet planned your holiday, check out our Lake District accommodation offers – we have deals suited for every type of break!
If you are a proud dog owner, you will be pleased to know what we are a dog-friendly hotel ! Your four-legged friend will be treated to a VIP (that’s very important pooch) experience with our fantastic Doggy Zen Zone!
After your wild swimming experience, head back to Armathwaite Hall to refuel – you can either enjoy a relaxed meal at our Courtyard Brasserie , a fine dining experience in our Lake View Restaurant or a deliciously traditional afternoon tea !
About Lake Bassenthwaite
Did you know that Lake Bassenthwaite is actually the only true lake in the Lake District? All other bodies of water are meres, tarns or waters!
Armathwaite Hall and Lake Bassenthwaite are close to the gorgeous market town of Keswick. We recommend exploring Keswick during your stay at Armathwaite Hall – it is only a 15-minute drive or 25-minute bus journey! We have put together a guide on the best things to do in Keswick so you can plan your trip. We offer wild swimming near Keswick in the beautiful Lake Bassenthwaite.
Lake Bassenthwaite is an important area for local wildlife. Many species of bird migrate here, including the osprey, which was the subject of a conservation project recently. The Atlantic salmon also travels to Lake Bassenthwaite to spawn, so you could catch a glimpse of non-native wildlife as well as our local critters!
You will also find the Dubwath Silver Meadows wetland and nature reserve north of the lake, where you can see even more locally conserved wildlife.
Lake Bassenthwaite is also believed to be the inspiration for the lake in Lord Tennyson’s famous poem Morte d’Arthur.
Wild swimming is an activity that offers many mental and physical health benefits, plus unrivalled views of the Lake District. It is the perfect activity for adventurers when staying at Armathwaite Hall, so book your wild swimming holiday in the UK now!
Please Note: Wild Swimming is only available to guests who are residents of Armathwaite Hall Hotel & Spa
TO BOOK CALL:
FAQs
- Is wild swimming allowed in the Lake District?
Yes, wild swimming is allowed in certain places, including Lake Bassenthwaite, where you can learn to wild swim with our qualified instructor.
Remember to research your chosen location first – some lakes, like Windermere, allow motorboats and sailing boats. You can still swim in them, but lakes and bodies of water with boats can present a safety risk.
Windermere is a popular lake to swim in, so that means it will be busy with swimmers as well as boats. Ullswater, Derwentwater and Coniston Water also allow boats and will be busy.
If you would prefer a quieter swimming experience, Lake Bassenthwaite is a great option, as well as Wast Water, Grasmere, Rydal Water, Crummock Water, Loweswater and Buttermere.
There are also a lot of tarns you can swim in too, but you should know that they are general colder than other bodies of water – in fact, even on hot days they can still be cold!
The bodies of water that you are not allowed to swim in are Thirlmere reservoir, Ennerdale Water, Haweswater reservoir and Kentmere reservoir.
If you are not experienced with wild swimming or swimming in general, we strongly recommend booking wild swimming sessions with a trainer so you can learn from them. Our trainer offers sessions for swimmers of all experience levels and will teach you key safety protocols when wild swimming.
- Can you swim in Bassenthwaite Lake?
Yes, you can swim in Lake Bassenthwaite. Our trained instructor will help you get the most out of your wild swimming experience as you enjoy uniquely stunning vistas of Mount Skiddaw and the rolling hills of the Lake District!
- What will I need to bring to go wild swimming?
We provide much of what you will need with our wild swimming packages, but we recommend you bring:
• towels
• warm clothes to change into after your swim
• a headband or swimming cap to tie protect long hair
• a bottle of water and a snack as swimming can be tiring and you might need some energy and a refreshing drink after your experience – alternatively, order a packed lunch ahead of time via our staff.